Whether to put sprinkles on brownies before or after baking is a debated topic among bakers. Both methods have their pros and cons. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.
Putting Sprinkles on Before Baking
Adding sprinkles on top of brownie batter before baking allows the sprinkles to adhere to the brownies better. As the brownies bake, the sprinkles will sink into the batter slightly, anchoring them in place. This prevents the sprinkles from falling off or sliding around when you cut into the brownies after baking.
Putting sprinkles on brownies before baking also allows the sprinkles to soften and melt a bit from the heat of the oven. This can help them blend into the brownies and give you sprinkles throughout each bite rather than just on top.
Here are some tips for adding sprinkles before baking:
- Use sprinkles made from sugar, not chocolate or other meltable materials. Sugar sprinkles will hold their shape better during baking.
- Press the sprinkles gently into the batter so the bottom half is submerged. This anchors them.
- Don’t overdo it on sprinkles. A light sprinkling is plenty so they don’t overwhelm the brownies.
- Avoid large or heavy sprinkles like jimmies. They can sink too much and burn.
The drawback to putting sprinkles on brownies before baking is that the sprinkles can melt or burn if they sink too far into the batter. Oven temperature and baking time must be monitored carefully to prevent this.
Putting Sprinkles on After Baking
Putting sprinkles on brownies after baking allows you to decorate with more delicate sprinkles that would melt if baked. You can use chocolate sprinkles, edible glitter, and other meltable decorations.
Since the brownies are already baked, you don’t have to worry about the sprinkles melting or burning. You also get to decorate with the finished brownie in front of you, allowing for more artistry and control.
Here are some tips for adding sprinkles after baking:
- Let the brownies cool completely so the sprinkles don’t melt from residual heat.
- Spread a thin layer of frosting or glaze on top first so sprinkles adhere better.
- Use any colors and types of sprinkles you want since baking isn’t a concern.
- Get creative with sprinkle placement, making patterns or designs.
The downside to putting sprinkles on after baking is that they can sometimes fall off, get bumped off when cutting, or slide around on top of the frosting. Anchoring them with frosting helps, but they won’t integrate into the brownies as seamlessly as pre-baked sprinkles.
Factors to Consider
When deciding whether to put sprinkles on brownies before or after baking, here are some factors to consider:
- Brownie texture – Sprinkles before baking work best with thick, dense brownie batters. Sprinkles after work best for lighter, fluffier brownies.
- Sprinkle type – Large, heavy sprinkles and jimmies should go before. Delicate sprinkles and edible glitter should go after.
- Desired appearance – Sprinkles pressed into batter emerge partially melted for subtle specks of color throughout. Sprinkles atop frosting stay whole for vibrant pops of color on top.
- Convenience – Sprinkles before does require monitoring baking time and temp closely. Sprinkles after is easier since brownies are already done.
Before Baking: Step-By-Step Process
If you decide to add sprinkles before baking, follow these steps:
- Make brownie batter as directed and pour into pan(s). Use a thick, dense batter.
- Lightly spread batter to distribute evenly. Make sure it’s not more than 2/3 of the pan height.
- Sprinkle sugar sprinkles evenly over the top. Gently press into the batter so the bottom half is submerged.
- Bake brownies at the recommended time and temperature, adjusting as needed to prevent burning.
- The brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let brownies cool completely before cutting to allow sprinkles to set.
- Enjoy your brownies with sprinkles throughout!
After Baking: Step-By-Step Process
To add sprinkles after baking your brownies, follow these steps:
- Bake brownies using your favorite recipe and allow to cool completely.
- Spread a thin layer of frosting, glaze, or ganache over the top as “glue” for the sprinkles.
- Decorate creatively with any types of sprinkles and edible embellishments.
- Drizzle with more glaze or frosting if desired.
- Let the glaze/frosting set for at least 15 minutes before cutting.
- Carefully cut brownies into servings so sprinkles stay intact.
- Enjoy your beautifully decorated brownies!
Common Sprinkles for Brownies
Here are some popular sprinkles and decorations to use on brownies:
| Sprinkle Type | Description | Best Before/After Baking |
|---|---|---|
| Sugar sprinkles | Small colored sugar grains | Before |
| Sanding sugar | Large colored sugar crystals | Before |
| Jimmies | Rod-shaped sugar sprinkles | Before |
| Chocolate sprinkles | Small chocolate decorations | After |
| Dragées | Tiny metallic balls | After |
| Edible glitter | Sparkly glitter made from sugar | After |
Recipe Inspiration
Try these delicious brownie recipes with fun sprinkle additions:
Confetti Brownie Bites
- Add 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles to the batter
- Bake in a mini muffin tin for bite-size brownies
- Top with frosting and more sprinkles after baking
Mint Chocolate Chip Brownies
- Add 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips to the batter
- Bake as usual and cool
- Spread mint frosting on top and add crushed peppermint sprinkles
S’mores Brownies
- Top brownie batter with mini marshmallows
- Bake, let cool, then sprinkle chocolate and graham cracker sprinkles on top
Birthday Cake Brownies
- Mix rainbow sprinkles into the batter
- Frost baked brownies with vanilla frosting
- Decorate with more sprinkles and candles
Fairy Tale Brownies
- Bake plain brownies, let cool completely
- Spread with purple and green frosting
- Top with edible glitter and dragées
Storing Brownies with Sprinkles
Properly stored, most brownies with sprinkles will last 3-4 days at room temperature. Here are some storage tips:
- Allow brownies to cool completely before storing.
- Keep unfrosted brownies in an airtight container at room temp.
- For frosted brownies, cover lightly with plastic wrap or bag.
- Don’t refrigerate or freeze frosted brownies as this can make the frosting weep.
- Cut brownies into serving sizes before storing to avoid breaking sprinkles when cutting later.
- For longer storage, freeze unfrosted brownies up to 3 months.
FAQs
Should I use butter or oil when adding sprinkles before baking?
Butter is better for getting sprinkles to adhere to brownie batter before baking. Oil makes it more slippery and harder for sprinkles to stick.
Can I use fresh fruit like blueberries as “sprinkles”?
Fresh berries run the risk of melting, burning, or sinking too much if baked inside brownie batter. They’re best added as a topping after baking instead.
What about allergies and diets? Are there gluten-free or dairy-free sprinkle options?
Yes, many sprinkle products are allergy-friendly. Look for gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan labeled sprinkles at the grocery store or online.
Do I need to use frosting or glaze for after-baking sprinkles?
Frosting, glaze, or ganache provides the best base layer for adhering sprinkles on top of baked brownies. But in a pinch, sprinkles can be lightly pressed into warm just-baked brownies.
The Final Word on Sprinkling Brownies
While the sprinkles-before and sprinkles-after brownie camps each have their loyal fans, the beauty is you really can’t go wrong either way. Baking is all about having fun and being creative. The next time a brownie craving strikes, give the sprinkle method you haven’t tried a whirl!